25 Screen-Free Ways to Play: Free Printable for Kids

Screens are everywhere. I’m certainly not going to pretend that my family never uses them – especially as I type this with the TV playing in the background. We use technology for homeschooling, entertainment, keeping in touch with people, and plenty of other things.

But sometimes? It’s SO nice to put away the screens and PLAY like it’s 1994.

No apps. No charging cords. No Wi-Fi required. Just good, old-fashioned fun!

To make it a little easier to answer the inevitable “But what am I supposed to DO?!” that can come with putting the screens away, I’ve put together a list of 25 Screen-Free Ways to Play – and, of course, I’ve made a free printable to go along with it!

Why Make Time for Screen-Free Play?

Screen-free time doesn’t need to mean banning technology or creating an elaborate schedule of activities for the kids. Sometimes, it’s as simple as pulling out a board game, building a blanket fort, heading outside with a ball, or seeing who can build the tallest tower.

Sometimes, just sometimes, it’s a matter of letting the kids be bored (gasp!) and letting them figure out something fun to do. Would you believe that being bored can actually be beneficial to kids?! Yep.

Play can be a pretty great learning opportunity without kids even realizing they’re learning, too! Board games can encourage strategy & problem-solving, building challenges encourage creativity, and activities like obstacle courses & sports get everyone moving.

That’s my kind of learning!

25 Screen-Free Ways to Play

Need some inspiration? Here are 25 ideas to get started:

1. Build a blanket fort
2. Play a board game
3. Play a card game
4. Create an obstacle course
5. Play hide-and-seek
6. Have a dance party
7. Play charades
8. Play catch
9. Play with bubbles
10. Make up a new game
11. Play hopscotch
12. Learn a magic trick
13. Play 20 Questions
14. Have a paper airplane contest
15. Build a tower using household items
16. Build a domino chain
17. Play I Spy
18. Play a guessing game
19. Do a LEGO building challenge
20. Build a marble run
21. Make puppets and put on a puppet show
22. Have a stuffed-animal picnic
23. Play a sport
24. Go for a bike ride
25. Have a backyard campout

Some of these screen-free ways to play might keep the kids occupied for five minutes. Others could turn into an entire afternoon! Score!

Either way, I’m counting it as a win!

For another easy screen-free activity, try my Recycle Mania printable game. It can be played several different ways, including as an active race or a scavenger hunt.

And, if you’re trying to keep the kids entertained without screens while traveling, print out my Road Trip Scavenger Hunts before your next adventure! They’ll keep the kids engaged and learning as on your travels!

Grab the Free 25 Screen-Free Ways to Play Printable

I’ve turned all 25 ideas into a colorful, printable checklist so the kids (and you) can keep track of all the activities they’ve tried. Print it out, hang it on the refrigerator, add it to your homeschool space, or let the kids keep it somewhere they can grab it the next time they’re tempted to tell you they’re bored.

How many of the 25 can they complete?

Keep the Screen-Free Fun Going!

This printable is just one part of my 100 Screen-Free Things to Do collection…and just one of hundreds of free printables about through my Printable Playground!

Be sure to check out:

• 25 Screen-Free Ways to Create
• 25 Screen-Free Ways to Explore
• 25 Screen-Free Ways to Connect

Complete all four and you’ll have 100 screen-free ideas ready to go whenever your family needs a break from technology. And, when you’re ready for something the whole family can experience together, check out our Family Learning Adventures for even more ways to learn, explore, create memories, and have fun – no scree required!

Until next time, stay safe, & enjoy quality time with your family,